New Device Allows Cops to Download All of Your Smartphone Activity in Seconds

New York — “Any person who operates a motor vehicle in the state shall be deemed to have given consent to field testing of his or her mobile telephone and/or personal electronic device for the purpose of determining the use thereof while operating a motor vehicle, provided that such testing is conducted by or at the direction of a police officer.”

That’s language from the text of a bill currently working its way through the New York state legislature. The legislation would allow cops to search through drivers’ cell phones following traffic incidents — even minor fender-benders — to determine if the person was using their phone while behind the wheel.

Most states have laws banning the use of mobile devices while driving, though such laws are rarely enforced. This is largely because it’s nearly impossible to catch someone in the act. What person would admit to an officer that they broke the law, the argument goes, particularly when it’s after the fact? After all, cops don’t show up until after the accident occurs.

Now, technology exists that would give police the power to plug drivers’ phones into tablet-like devices — being called “textalyzers” in the media — that tell officers exactly what they were doing on their phone and exactly when they were doing it. And if the readout shows a driver was texting while driving, for instance, the legal system will have an additional way to fine them.

“Recording your every click, tap or swipe, it would even know what apps you were using. Police officers could download the data, right on the spot,” Jeff Rossen of NBC News said in a video report on the technology.

Proponents of the legislation point to the rise in traffic fatalities associated with using mobile devices while driving. But rights activists, such as Rashida Richardson of the New York Civil Liberties Union, says it’s a societal issue and no excuse to violate an individual’s privacy:

“This is a concern because our phones have some of our most personal and private information — so we’re certain that if this law is enforced as it is proposed, it will not only violate people’s privacy rights, but also civil liberties.”

New York state isn’t alone. Currently, similar legislation is being considered in Tennessee and New Jersey.

8

Leave a Reply

you have an accident, police check your phone, you get arrested for nationalist propaganda! the end.

Vote Up3Vote Down Reply

1 year ago

Member

Sheridan Crawford

Not in this Country – yet anyway…

Vote Up0Vote Down Reply

1 year ago

Member

Sheridan Crawford

While I hate more government intrusions on my (and everyone’s privacy (jews excepted)), this very app would have provided the proof that the occupant in a vehicle that stopped suddenly in front of me instead of entering traffic (as he started to do, thus changing my focus and attention from his rear windshield to merging traffic) was on his cell phone and caused the minor “fender bender” that I (my insurance co) had to pay for. I may be in favor of anything that penalizes distracted driving, as I have seen so much of it in the… Read more »

I like this I have stories that can go on and on about cell phone users, and just plain ole; stoopid drivers. . Everyone Have a great summer, I am trying to use my phone less and less this summer by getting out of range. Will it Work? I doubt it!! Mo latah

Woohoo.. you’ve lied, cheated, stole, poisoned, tortured, murdered, and have just about destroyed everyone and everything that was worth anything…
“Congratulations “, I guess. Aren’t you special? You cannot create anything so you take great pride and pleasure in destroying everything. Your winning prize: a cold, dark, dangerous and empty world.

Vote Up-1Vote Down Reply

1 year ago

Guest

Pat

While you’re at it – go ahead and tell us what HAL TURNER REPORTS.. ANGLIN REPORTS…DELANEY REPORTS….f that – just tell us what FBI SNITCHES REPORT. Geeeez.